The application process takes about 10 minutes online
You can apply for a Discover card directly through Discover's website or by phone. The online application asks for your personal information, income, and Social Security number, then gives you a decision in seconds or within a few minutes. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to be an existing Discover customer, and there is no annual fee on any Discover card.
Discover pulls your credit report during the application, which creates a hard inquiry on your credit file. This may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. If you are denied, Discover will send you a letter explaining why within 30 days, and you can request a copy of the credit report they used.
Key Takeaways
- You can apply online at discover.com, by phone at 1-800-347-2000, or through the Discover mobile app in about 10 minutes.
- Discover will ask for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and employment status before making a decision.
- You will receive an instant or near-instant decision; if approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
- A hard inquiry appears on your credit report when you apply, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.
- If you are denied, Discover sends a written explanation and you can request the credit report they reviewed.
What information you need to have ready
Before you start the application, gather your Social Security number, current address, date of birth, and employment information. You will also need to provide your annual income, which can include wages, self-employment income, investment income, or other sources. Discover asks whether you are employed, self-employed, retired, or a student.
If you have moved recently, have your previous address available. Discover may ask about prior addresses to verify your identity. You do not need to have a bank account with Discover or any other bank to apply, though you will eventually need a bank account to make payments on the card.
Where to apply: online, phone, or mobile app
The fastest route is the online application at discover.com. Click "Apply Now" on the homepage, select the card you want, and fill in your information. The form takes about 10 minutes and you get a decision before you finish.
If you prefer to speak with someone, call 1-800-347-2000 to apply by phone. A representative walks you through the same questions and can answer questions about card features or your situation. You can also apply through the Discover mobile app if you already have it installed.
What happens after you submit your application
Discover reviews your application and credit report within seconds to a few minutes. You will see one of three outcomes: approved, denied, or pending review. If you are approved, you can set up your online account immediately and track your card's shipment. If you are pending, Discover may contact you by phone or email within one to two business days with a decision.
Once approved, your card ships to the address you provided on the application. Discover uses standard mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can activate your card as soon as it arrives by calling the number on the back or logging into your online account. You do not have to wait for the card to arrive to start using it — Discover offers a temporary card number you can use for online purchases immediately after approval.
Understanding the credit check and what it means for your score
When you apply, Discover performs a hard inquiry on your credit report. This is a formal review of your credit history and appears on your credit file for two years, though it only affects your credit score for about three to six months. A hard inquiry typically lowers your score by 5 to 10 points, depending on your current score and credit history.
Multiple applications within a short time period (usually 14 days) may count as a single inquiry for credit scoring purposes, so applying to several cards in a short window does not multiply the damage. However, each application is still a separate hard inquiry on your report. If you are denied, the hard inquiry still appears on your credit file even though you did not receive the card.
If your application is denied or pending
Discover sends a written notice within 30 days explaining why you were denied. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, a credit score that is too low, too many recent credit inquiries, or income that does not meet the card's requirements. The notice includes information on how to request a free copy of the credit report Discover used to make the decision.
If your application is pending, Discover may ask for additional information by phone or email. This might include proof of income, clarification about your employment, or verification of your address. Respond promptly to any requests — the sooner you provide what they ask for, the sooner they can make a final decision.
If you are denied, you can reapply after addressing the reason for denial. For example, if your credit score was too low, wait a few months while you pay down debt or correct errors on your credit report, then apply again. Discover does not have a specific waiting period before you can reapply, but applying again too soon after a denial is unlikely to change the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have a credit history to apply?
No, but Discover will check your credit report even if you have no history. If you have no credit file at all, Discover may deny you or ask for additional information. If you are new to credit, consider becoming an authorized user on someone else's card first, or apply for a secured card to build history before applying for Discover.
What if I made a mistake on my application?
Contact Discover immediately at 1-800-347-2000 if you notice an error before you receive your decision. If you already received a decision, you can update your information in your online account or call to correct it. Intentionally providing false information on a credit application is fraud and can have legal consequences.
Can I apply if I have bad credit or a recent bankruptcy?
Discover does not have a specific credit score requirement, but they do review your credit history. A bankruptcy, recent missed payments, or very low credit score makes approval less likely. Discover offers some cards designed for people rebuilding credit, so ask about those options when you apply or call.
How long does it take to get approved?
Most decisions come within seconds to a few minutes of submitting your application online. Some applications go to pending review and take one to two business days. Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use a temporary card number for online purchases immediately.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
Yes, the hard inquiry will lower your score by a few points for a few months. The impact is temporary and small compared to other factors like payment history and debt levels. Opening a new card also lowers your average account age, which can have a small effect on your score in the short term.